Gavin Quail1, Johannes J Fagan1, Oliver Raynham1, Hugo Krynauw2, Lester Ryan John3, Henri Carrara4. 1. Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. 2. Christiaan Barnard Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. 3. Medical Imaging Research Unit, Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. 4. Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cloth stoma covers (bibs) to compensate for breathing unconditioned air after laryngectomy and loss of heat-moisture-exchange (HME) functions of the upper airways, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported. In addition, we compared the efficacy of inexpensive, simple, locally made, noncommercial fabric bibs with commercial bibs and stick-over-the-stoma HME devices and to determine whether wetting the bib improves the tracheal climate. METHODS: Tracheal temperature and humidity were studied in 25 patients who underwent a laryngectomy with a purpose-built sampling device. RESULTS: Noncommercial and commercial bibs effectively heat and humidify inspired air (p < .05). Both bibs compare favorably with commercial HME devices. There is no benefit in using a commercially produced Buchanan Bib over an inexpensive noncommercial bib. Wetting a bib proved to be counterproductive. CONCLUSION: Inexpensive, noncommercial bibs are effective and improve tracheal climate and benefit patients with laryngectomies.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cloth stoma covers (bibs) to compensate for breathing unconditioned air after laryngectomy and loss of heat-moisture-exchange (HME) functions of the upper airways, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported. In addition, we compared the efficacy of inexpensive, simple, locally made, noncommercial fabric bibs with commercial bibs and stick-over-the-stoma HME devices and to determine whether wetting the bib improves the tracheal climate. METHODS: Tracheal temperature and humidity were studied in 25 patients who underwent a laryngectomy with a purpose-built sampling device. RESULTS: Noncommercial and commercial bibs effectively heat and humidify inspired air (p < .05). Both bibs compare favorably with commercial HME devices. There is no benefit in using a commercially produced Buchanan Bib over an inexpensive noncommercial bib. Wetting a bib proved to be counterproductive. CONCLUSION: Inexpensive, noncommercial bibs are effective and improve tracheal climate and benefit patients with laryngectomies.
Authors: Chathura B B Ratnayake; Renske Fles; I Bing Tan; Laura W J Baijens; Walmari Pilz; Cees A Meeuwis; Pauline H E Janssen-van Det; Rob van Son; Michiel W M Van den Brekel Journal: Laryngoscope Date: 2019-02-20 Impact factor: 3.325